Page:Familiar letters of Henry David Thoreau.djvu/220

 196 GOLDEN AGE OF ACHIEVEMENT. [1848,

My actual life is a fact, in view of which I have no occasion to congratulate myself ; but for my faith and aspiration I have respect. It is from these that I speak. Every man s position is in fact too simple to be described. I have sworn no oath. I have no designs on society, or nature, or God. I am simply what I am, or I begin to be that. I live in the present. I only remember the past, and anticipate the fu ture. I love to live. I love reform better than its modes. There is no history of how bad be came better. I believe something, and there is nothing else but that. I know that I am. I know that another is who knows more than I, who takes interest in me, whose creature, and yet whose kindred, in one sense, am I. I know that the enterprise is worthy. I know that things work well. I have heard no bad news.

As for positions, combinations, and details, what are they? In clear weather, when we look into the heavens, what do we see but the sky and the sun ?

If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. But do not care to convince him. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.

Pursue, keep up with, circle round and round your life, as a dog does his master s chaise. Do what you love. Know your own bone ; gnaw at